Hand Surgery Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 07 Sep 2026
Froment sign
A clinical test indicating ulnar nerve weakness, characterized by thumb IP joint flexion when attempting to grip paper.
Allen test
Clinical examination to assess collateral circulation between radial and ulnar arteries in the hand.
Barton fracture
An intra-articular fracture of the distal radius with dislocation of the radiocarpal joint.
Bennett fracture
Intra-articular fracture-dislocation of the base of the first metacarpal involving the carpometacarpal joint.
boutonniere deformity
Finger deformity with PIP flexion and DIP hyperextension due to central slip injury.
Burnell locking suture
Specific suture technique used in flexor tendon repairs featuring interlocking loops for enhanced tensile strength.
camptodactyly
Congenital flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint, typically affecting the small finger.
capitate fracture
A rare fracture of the largest carpal bone, often associated with scapholunate dissociation.
carpal tunnel release
Surgical procedure to decompress the median nerve by dividing the transverse carpal ligament.
centralization
Surgical procedure to realign the hand over the ulna in radial club hand deformity.
clinodactyly
Congenital lateral angulation or curvature of a finger, most commonly affecting the small finger.
CMC joint arthroplasty
Surgical reconstruction of the carpometacarpal joint, typically involving the thumb base.
Colles' fracture
Common wrist fracture involving the distal radius with characteristic dorsal angulation and displacement.
cross-finger flap
A local skin flap transferred from an adjacent finger to cover soft tissue defects.
CRPS
Complex regional pain syndrome characterized by disproportionate pain, swelling, and autonomic changes.
dart-thrower's motion
A combined wrist movement pattern involving simultaneous radial deviation with extension and ulnar deviation with flexio...
De Quervain's tenosynovitis
Painful inflammation of thumb tendons in the first dorsal compartment causing radial wrist pain.
DISI
Dorsal intercalated segment instability - a wrist instability pattern where the lunate bone tilts backward relative to t...
dorsal blocking splint
A hand splint that blocks extension while allowing controlled flexion, commonly used after flexor tendon repair to prote...
dorsal intercalated segment instability
A carpal instability pattern where the lunate tilts dorsally due to ligament injury.
DRUJ
Distal radioulnar joint that allows forearm rotation between the radius and ulna bones.
Dupuytren's contracture
A progressive hand condition causing finger flexion contracture due to palmar fascia thickening.
Eaton-Littler classification
Radiographic staging system for thumb CMC joint arthritis from stage I to IV.
EDC
Extensor digitorum communis - the muscle responsible for extending the fingers at the metacarpophalangeal joints.
EPL
Extensor pollicis longus - the muscle that extends and retracts the thumb, whose tendon is prone to rupture following di...